Earning a master's degree in community development requires students to examine distressed communities and address challenges associated with urban neighborhood revitalization, according to Clark University. Students explore best practices for organizing people and resources to improve neighborhood quality of life. Some institutions require students to complete internships enabling them to receive practical experience. At the University of California at Davis, for example, internships allow students to take advantage of networking and developing practical skills at such community development organizations as social welfare and public health agencies, housing development corporations and public interest groups.
Vanderbilt University offers a Master of Education in Community Development and Action. The 30-credit-hour program includes a practicum and completion of a master's thesis, final project or comprehensive exam. Community development graduate students at Vanderbilt are exposed to such topics as community psychology, global dimensions of community development and becoming a change agent. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture's graduate program in community development provides a holistic approach to the discipline. A unique aspect of the 36-credit-hour program is a required workshop series exploring subject matter such as community needs assessments, grant writing and interpreting statistical data.
Delta State University in Mississippi offers a Master of Science in Community Development. The 36-credit-hour program features two concentration areas: sustainable development and economic development. Community development majors at Delta State University gain valuable experience working at the Center for Community and Economic Development located on campus. Aspiring community development practitioners have the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Community Development degree at the University of California at Davis. The program requires 47 to 51 quarter units and degree candidates must complete an internship along with a thesis or exam.
Earning a degree online offers flexibility for students with personal and career related obligations. The 30-credit-hour Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development at Pennsylvania State University is a 100 percent online degree program. Featuring a curriculum highlighting an interdisciplinary approach to economics and community development, students select course topics related to intergenerational programs and practices, principles of local economic development and resilient communities and environments. The 36-credit-hour online graduate degree program at North Dakota State University offers four academic tracks, including building economic capacity, natural resource development, working with native communities and nonprofit leadership.